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Residential & Commercial Drain Cleaning in Central Ohio

Drain cleaning can be a simple problem or can be a sign of a much larger problem. At Cruikshank Plumbing we work hard to get your home or business back in working order as efficiently as possible. Below you will find a brief explanation of how drain systems work with a color labeled diagram to help you better understand what kind of drain cleaning services you may need. We have also listed some common drain cleaning problems and what they mean.

Almost all drain systems operate using gravity. The water and waste flows downhill all the way to the sewer or septic system. First there is a Fixture Drain. The fixture drain is a drain that services one fixture. This drain then flows to a larger Branch Drain. The branch drains all connect to the Main Drain pipe or sewer line. This pipe also flows downhill and runs out of the home to either the city sewer system or the septic system. Any plumbing systems that are lower than the main drainage line are serviced by a pump that pumps the drainage up and out of the home.

Along with these pipes there are also vent pipes that tie into the drainage system. Vent pipes allow sewer gas to escape from the system into the air. The vents also prevent a siphon or vacuum from occurring. If the vent pipes are not working correctly sewer gas can enter your home or business and the drains will be prone to more blockages.

Below is a list of problems and solutions to help diagnose what kind of drain problem you may be experiencing.

Sewer gas odor near a sink, shower, tub, or toilet:

Dry Trap – When drains are not used the trap may dry out causing an odor. Add water to any unused drains.

Bacteria – Sometimes bacteria can grow in a drain causing an odor. Add bleach to drain that smell is coming from.

Broken Seal – A toilet may need to have a seal replaced to prevent an odor from escaping from the drainage system.

Clog – Partial clog in drain system or in vent piping.

Deteriorated Vent – Vent piping can wear down after time causing odors to remain in the drainage system.

One drain is backing up:

Fixture Drain Clog – This usually means that the blockage is close to the fixture that is clogged. Can normally be cleared with a small piece of drain cleaning equipment.

Multiple Drains backing up in same location:

Branch Drain Clog – Blockage has moved past the fixture drain and into the branch drain line. This is typically cleared with a drain snake.

Multiple Drains backing up in different locations:

Main Drain Clog – Blockage is past both the fixture drains and the branch line drains and is located in the main line. This most always takes a large drain snake to clear.

Septic Tank is Full – If you are not on the city sewer service your drains flow into a private septic system. If this system is full the drains have nowhere to drain to and will back up into the house.Cruikshank Plumbing does not pump Septic Tanks.

Sewage coming into home or business:

Main Drain Clog – Blockage is past both the fixture drains and the branch line drains and is located in the main line. This most always takes a large drain snake to clear.

Sewage Ejector Pump is out – Drains located lower than the drain system cannot drain without a working Sewage Ejector Pump. Call Cruikshank Plumbing to replace the pump.

Septic Tank is Full – If you are not on the city sewer service your drains flow into a private septic system. If this system is full the drains have nowhere to drain to and will back up into the house. Cruikshank Plumbing does not pump Septic Tanks.

City Sewer Backup – The city sewer system may have a backup that is backing up into your drainage system. Contact the city for resolution.

Cruikshank Plumbing can help with all of your drain cleaning needs.

Do Not Put these Common Household Items Down the Drain

Here are some common things people put down the drain without realizing it could cause a blockage:

Flushable Wipes – They will flush but they can cause serious problems once in a drain system. The wipes do not break down like toilet paper. Flushable wipes have caused problems with septic tanks, city sewer systems, sewage ejector pumps, lift stations, and drain lines. We highly recommend not flushing flushable wipes!

Kitty Litter – Litter clumps and expands when it come in contact with moisture which can easily clog a drain.

Paint – Paint can stick to drain pipes and harden, allowing les flow through the pipes that can lead to a clog.

Egg Shells – Egg shells crumble and are small but they are also sharp, solid items that can cause problems when they come into contact with other items in drains.

Coffee Grinds – Coffee grinds never dissolve so when they come into contact with other materials, especially grease or fatty items, the chance for a clogged drain is high.

Cooking Grease – Grease builds up over time. That small amount of grease you put down the drain can build up everytime causing a clog.

Pasta and Rice – Rice and Pasta both stick to other materials. Anything that can stick to pipes or other materials has the potential to cause a drain blockage and should not be put in a drain.